Our friends over at TechEgo just launched their annual analysis of the top eCommerce platforms for 2011.  Magento continues its rise and dominance as the industries most popular platform. We’ve been building with Magento for years now and have to agree with the wisdom of the masses on this one.

I’m still surprised that osCommerce is used so much. I do NOT like that platform- it’s antiquated to say the least. It was interesting to see Zen Cart make such a nice push lately. I’ve yet to use the platform. Anyone out there used it before? Thoughts? Also, I like seeing WP e-Commerce get some traction- as I’d love to see WP become a more robust eCommerce platform.

Google is starting to show that they understand this concept, just look at the Boutiques.com site they launched a while ago.

Although it’s no Victoria’s Secret, it does surprise people when I show it to them and tell them it’s a Google created site. Rich with images, a clean design and creative use of celebrity fashion profiles makes for a really attractive website. When I first saw this, I couldn’t believe the style-repelling, algorithm-wielding eggheads (sorry Googlers, it’s a clique you’ve probably all been fighting your whole life, that I’m sure is NOT true-you get unlimited online power- allow me my comforting false notions) created something so appealing.

Well, after that surprise, it looks like Google is drunk with crazy artistic zeal. Their next improvement, although far less sexy, is still easy on the eyes.

Let’s take a look at a few of the improvements.

1. The search homepage with an slightly slimmer and sleeker navigation bar.

2. A closer look reveals hover effects on the main menu.

3. When logged in, you’ll see this drop down allowing you to sign out.

4. A nice gear image reveals the Search Settings, iGoogle link, Account Settings, Privacy Options and Web History.

When you click on the Videos or Images link in the main menu, you are returned to the same old navigation (that is sooo 2010!), but overall, nice little improvements. Let’s hope this is a trend we continue to see out of Google, and more products are made easier to use and look at with a little design TLC.